How Our Homeownership Program Works

A lease option (often called rent-to-own) is a rental agreement that also gives you the right, but not the obligation, to buy the home later at an agreed price. It usually has two parts: a standard lease and a separate option agreement. Always have a Texas real estate attorney review your documents before you sign anything.

No. Made New Real Estate, LLC is not a bank, mortgage lender, or credit repair company, and we do not offer loans or financing.

Our rent-to-own program provides an alternative path to homeownership that allows families to move into a home while working toward future mortgage qualification. All terms are explained clearly before you move forward, so there are no surprises.

This program is designed for families who:

• Have stable income
• Can afford the monthly payment comfortably
• Are committed to preparing for long-term homeownership
• Are ready to be transparent about their financial and rental history

If we believe the program is not a good fit - whether due to timing, affordability, or readiness - we'll tell you openly. Our foal is to protect families, not place them in situations that aren't sustainable.

Yes. While we do not run credit like a traditional lender, we do review your credit situation and rental history to understand where you are and how close you may be to qualifying for a mortgage in the future.

This includes discussing:

• Credit challenges or past delinquencies
• How far you are from typical mortgage requirements
• Any prior evictions or rental payment issues

This information helps us determine whether our program is a responsible fit and what preparation may be needed. Our approach is honest, respectful, and judgement-free.

Lease options are often designed for people who have income but need time to clean up or build credit. Imperfect credit does not automatically disqualify you, but you still need enough stable income, a realistic budget, and a plan to improve your credit during the option period. 

In most lease-option setups, the option fee is non-refundable, because it is paid for the right to buy the home later, not as a security deposit. In many cases, part or all of that fee may be applied toward your purchase price or closing costs if you do buy, but that must be clearly written into your agreement. A local Texas attorney should confirm how your specific contract treats the option fee.

The option period is set in the contract and is often somewhere between 12 and 36 months, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the deal. Once that period ends, your right to buy usually expires unless everyone signs a new written agreement. Because timelines and deadlines are critical in Texas contracts, have a Texas attorney walk you through the dates so you understand exactly how long you have and what happens if you are not ready in time.

If you choose not to buy, or if you are not able to qualify for a loan by the end of the option period, your right to purchase usually expires. You would typically move out at the end of your lease term, and any non-refundable option fee is usually not returned. Exact terms depend on your written agreement, so always ask a Texas attorney to explain the “what if I don’t buy” section before signing.

Different programs handle repairs differently. Some lease options keep the owner responsible for major systems (roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing), while the tenant-buyer handles smaller day-to-day items like minor plumbing or cosmetic fixes. Other agreements shift more repairs to the tenant-buyer. Because Texas law and contracts can be very specific on this, ask your Texas real estate attorney to review the repair and maintenance clause so you know exactly what you are agreeing to.